Chlamydia is a bacterial infection associated with sexual intercourse. This sexually transmitted disease (STD) is one of the most common occurring in the United States. Around four million people develop the infection every year, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease infects males and females. Treatment for the infection includes abstaining from sexual intercourse and taking a course of antibiotics. Left untreated, chlamydia may lead to additional infections, pain or pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms begin a week to three weeks after exposure and can vary between individuals and between males and females.
Asymptomatic
Up to 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men infected with chlamydia experience no symptoms related to the condition, according to The National Women's Health Information Center. The symptoms that do occur may be mild and attributed to another condition or health problem.
Discharge
Females may experience vaginal discharge with a chlamydia infection. The abnormal discharge appears yellow or white in color. Males can experience discharge from the opening of the penis.
Burning During Urination
A burning sensation may occur when passing urine. This symptom is the same for male and females with the chlamydia infection.
Pain
An infected individual may experience pain in the lower back or in the lower area of the abdomen. Males may also have pain in the testicles. Women can experience vaginal pain or pain in the pelvis during sexual intercourse. Males may experience a burning or itching sensation around the opening of the penis.
Nausea, Fevers and Vaginal Bleeding
Females can experience nausea, fevers and vaginal bleeding between periods when infected with chlamydia, according to The National Women's Health Information Center.
Sore Throat
During oral sex, chlamydia can transfer from the genitals to the throat. Symptoms of a chlamydia infection in the throat include pain and redness.
Eye Infections and Pneumonia
A chlamydia infection can pass from the mother to the baby during childbirth. Newborns with a chlamydia infection experience eye infections and pneumonia.
